Minimal in Melbourne

When jewelry designer Kim Victoria Wearne and husband Stuart Beer first bought their single-front Kensington cottage, they knew that, one day, they would love to do a full-scale renovation. 

In 2010, after having lived in the house for ten years, their dream came true, when they employed Architects EAT and Ficus Construction to add a modern extension with garden courtyard onto the modest cottage. The extension allowed them to have a much larger kitchen, open-plan living space, a third bedroom, and studio space, where Kim could make her jewelry line, called Kim Victoria Jewels, which is available online as well as at  Pieces of Eight in Melbourne, Victoria.

The couple is very happy with the results of this labour of love. Since Kim works at home, crafting her jewelry line, she is especially glad to be able to have a purpose-built studio space with gorgeous natural light, to work in. All of the rooms in the house now have a view of the outdoors, allowing more natural light inside, with glimpses of greenery.

While the sleek minimal style of this home is not to my usual taste, I can certainly appreciate the cohesive design and elegant materials used throughout. The courtyard garden in back, with its sunken sitting area and ivy growing across black walls, is quite stunning. I love how organised Kim's studio space is. I can see why she enjoys working at home so much.

As this home proves, some things are worth waiting for.

{sources: Photos by Eve Wilson, Production by Lucy Feagins via The Design Files}

Scandi-Style Timber Home in Melbourne

A soft, pale colour palette and a seamless Scandi-style design scheme have brightened and revitalized this 1970s timber home in Melbourne, Australia. Owners Simone and Rhys Haag like to call their labour of love "The Log Cabin". The couple transformed the property into this beautiful home in a mere three months' time! Considering Simone works for a well-known interior designer, and Rhys is a construction manager, the pair 
definitely had the skills for the job, and the results are amazing.

I love the light, relaxed feel of the spaces, and the minimal yet cozy mix of the couple's personal collections in this home. Vintage and contemporary items, alongside softly-coloured wooden pieces, add heaps of warmth and charm to the rooms. Connecting indoors and out, large windows allow gorgeous views of the surrounding Dandenong ranges. My favourite touch is the white hammock just outside the lounge. It looks like such a perfect spot to relax, doesn't it? What a serene place to call home.

{all images and source information found here; check out Simone's blog here}

Fabulous Fenton

Colour, pattern, vintage, anything goes! 

This is the fabulous home of boutique-owner Lucy Fenton. Her magpie eye obviously works wonders in both her home and her shop, Fenton & Fenton, near Melbourne, Victoria. Lucy lives above her shop (who hasn't dreamed of such a life?) I know I have!), so she can easily swap pieces from one to the other, when inspiration strikes her fancy.

White walls provide the perfect gallery-like backdrop to the ever-changing array of eclectic decor. My favourite part of Lucy's home is the fireplace sitting area, with two gorgeously colourful chairs and exuberant art collage above the mantle. I also love the bright blue and white striped rug in the lounge, as well as the beautiful white mirror and dresser surrounded by vibrant accessories in the bedroom.

{Image credits: Photography by Felix Forest - Styling by Jason Grant - via homelife}